The Nano World

▪ Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter on a

near-atomic scale to produce new structures,
materials and devices.
▪ The branch of science and engineering devoted to
designing, producing, and using structures, devices,
and systems by manipulating atoms and molecules at
nanoscale.

1
What is Nano and
Nanotechnology?
• Nano is a prefix used in the metric
scale to represent one billionth.
• A nanometer (nm) is one billionth
of a meter.
• Nano comes from the Greek word
for dwarf, so in combination with
technology, it becomes dwarf
technology.
• Nanotechnology applies science
and materials at the nanoscale.
• People refer to nanotechnology as
“tiny tech” or “nanotech”.
Main reasons for the explosion of interest in nanotechnology:

Nanoparticles have
Unique properties and
much more surface
behavior of matter at area compared to their
the nanoscale. weight than larger
particles.

This single property means

that much less material can Using less material in
be used for application, products can offer
allowing us to save natural both economic and
resources, energy and money, environmental
provided that it does not cost benefits.
more to produce.
Applications of Nanotechnology

Electronics • Personal computers to “read discs,” which has enabled the increase of data storage
capacity of hard discs.
• Flat-panel television or computer monitors are products of nanotechnology.
• The coatings used on screens of TVs or monitors can be made of nanoparticles, which
have better properties in terms of color quality and resolution than microparticle
coatings.
Energy • Some metal hydride nanoparticles are found to be better options than the
conventional materials in improved batteries.
• Carbon nanomaterial (CNM) has been used in improving the efficacy of lithium
secondary batteries, supercapacitors and in hydrogen storage.
Environment • Efficient production of nanomaterials following the low temperature synthesis route
would help to reduce industrial pollution.
• Use of nanomaterials as hydrogen storage or efficient oil filters may reduce pollution
from vehicles.
• Efficient nanomaterials are lightweight and needed only in small quantities. This may
help reduce the price of many products, making them commonly affordable.
• Nanomaterials-based sensors would be smart sensors, i.e., they will be able to detect
and rectify problems. Such sensors are being developed for water purification
systems, detection of toxic ions, metal ions, pesticides, etc.
Applications of Nanotechnology
Automobiles • Nanosensors will help in assessing emissions from the vehicle and help in controlling
pollutants.
• Car paints/coatings using nanoparticle are being used to provide smooth, thin
attractive coatings that are scratch resistant, can repel dirt and are anti-reflective.
Biocide paints and anti-fogging coatings are even being developed.
• “Self-cleaning” glass for windows is being fabricated by dissolving a small amount of
titania (TiO2) nanoparticles while manufacturing it and melting it together with other
ingredients like silica (SiO2), CaO, Ba2O3, etc.
• To combat pollution caused by vehicles, use of efficient nanomaterial catalysts is one
solution that can convert harmful emissions into less harmful gases.
• To overcome the pollution problem, cars using hydrogen as fuel are being marketed.
• Hydrogen gas is normally stored in a metal cylinder under high pressure not only can
add weight to the vehicle but is also dangerous. To overcome this problem, storing
hydrogen in “nanocylinders” of carbon nanotubes is being tried.
Textiles • Special threads and dyes used in the textile industry are products of nanotechnology.
These clothes do not require ironing or frequent cleaning.
• Use of silver (Ag) nanoparticles in washing machines remove the germs from clothes
while washing.
• Masks made of fabrics coated with nanoparticles for protection against microbes are
already on the market.
• Fabrics composed of proteins are capable of stretching as much as 1500 percent from
their original size and can be used form-fitting clothing.
Nanotechnology in the Philippines

• 10-year strategic plan/road map for the development of the R&D

strategy of nanotechnology covering at least six industrial sectors –
the semiconductor, information technology, energy, agriculture,
medicine, and environmental protection.

• Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for

Advanced Science and Technology Research and Development
(DOST-PCASTRD).
Chemical sensors
• Develop, integrate, and coordinate national research.
• Flagship projects include chemical sensors and biosensors
based on nanostructured solar energy devices.
• Provides funds for scholarships and research fellowships.
• Proposed to include nanotechnology as part of all science
and engineering degrees.

Biosensors
Nanotechnology in the Philippines

In the area of agriculture

• Funded nano projects include rapid and early pest and pathogen
detection.
• Research into nanocomposite films and membranes aims to extend
the shelf-life of fresh and processed produce, aid the clarification of
juices, and improve whey protein production.
• Projects concerning nanotechnology for water purification and
environmental remediation are also being funded.
• Seedgrowth, a plant supplement consisting of nano-sized fruit
extracts and microorganisms, was developed to reduce the need for
chemical fertilizers and increases crop yield. Scientists from DOST
have also developed a low-cost water purification system in the form
of a ceramic filter coated with silver nanoparticles.

Nanocomposite films and membranes Nanotechnology for water purification

Issues Faced by Nanotechnology

Engineered nanomaterials are known to cause adverse effects to human health, namely,
cancer and asbestosis. Inhaled nanoparticles may accumulate in the brain and lungs,
significantly raising inflammatory and stress-related biomarkers to the consumers.

Education and training in nanotechnology require special laboratory facilities that

can be quite expensive. The cost of creating and maintaining nanotechnology facilities is a major
challenge for educational institutions.

Increased lifespans made possible through nano-based medicines or diagnostic techniques, leading to greater
numbers of active senior citizens seeking employment and active participation in the political process.

Nanotechnology is high tech and highly sophisticated, which deepens the trend to reducing workforces and
automating the processes of production and services.
The introduction of several alternative sources that are more effective and don't require any fuel
results to economy fluctuations as the value of resources like oil, diamonds, and many others
have decreased.
Many weapons made possible by nanotechnology are dangerous and susceptible to human
error.
High cost of the raw materials needed to run and maintain the technology, making it
expensive for average person.
Activity 6

Do research on different nanotechnology products. Identify 5 examples and choose

one that surprised and fascinated you the most.